'Must be blocked' | $72bn Netflix-Warner Bros deal threatens jobs, pay & working conditions - Writers Guild

Netflix’s plan to buy Warner Bros has triggered criticism from the Writers Guild and prompted US President Donald Trump to warn that the scale of the proposed $72bn deal may create competition concerns.

The Writers Guild of America West said the acquisition would allow the world’s largest streaming business to absorb a significant rival and argued that the implications for workers and audiences could be severe.

In a statement the union, which represents writers of motion pictures, television, radio, and internet programming, including news and documentaries, said: "The world’s largest streaming company swallowing one of its biggest competitors is what anti-trust laws were designed to prevent."

Writers warn of job losses and content squeeze

The union also warned that the so-called megadeal would "eliminate jobs, push down wages, worsen conditions for all entertainment workers, raise prices for consumers, and reduce the volume and diversity of content for all viewers."